End Legacy Admissions

Act Now

In June 2023, the Supreme Court severely limited the consideration of race as one of many factors in college admissions. The Supreme Court’s decision eliminated an important tool for enrolling more diverse classes, which makes it even more important to end the practice of legacy admissions.

Legacy admissions—the practice of giving preferential treatment to college applicants who are related to someone who went to the school— undermine the goal of equal access to higher education, by giving a boost mostly to the applications of white students from wealthier families.

TAKE ACTION: Tell lawmakers to end legacy admissions in New York.

Message Recipients:
Governor Kathy Hochul
Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Your representatives

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I’m writing to urge you to throw your support behind ending legacy admissions in New York State.

In June 2023, the Supreme Court severely limited the consideration of race as one of many factors in college admissions. The court’s decision eliminated an important tool for enrolling more diverse classes, which makes it even more important to end the practice of legacy admissions.

Despite its explicitly racist and antisemitic origins, many private colleges and universities continue to consider legacy preference as a factor in admissions decisions today.

The Fair College Admissions Act, A.1423-A (Walker) / S.4170-A (Gounardes), would prohibit legacy admissions practices at all colleges and universities in New York. It also includes a financial penalty for schools that continue these harmful practices that will go to the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to assist students with college affordability.

Under the law, higher education institutions would still be able to ask applicants about their relation to an alumnus as a means of data collection and reporting but would only be able to do so after an offer of admission and financial aid has been accepted.

The Fair College Admissions Act will create a fairer higher education environment, more diverse college classes, and more opportunities for students from historically underrepresented groups.

You should seize the opportunity to help New York lead the nation by being the first state to ban legacy preferences at private and public institutions.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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End Legacy Admissions

Act Now

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